Swimming question

Those of you that swim - did you swim prior to obesity and WLS?  And have you sought out a coach to make your swims effective?

I would like to add some swiming to my workouts but I know I am not an efficient swimmer.  I can do the basic crawl and that is self taught.  I tried swimming over the weekend and found I expended alot of energy and didn't get very far across the pool before treading water and trying to catch my breath. I am not sure I will use it for any competitive challenge but I would like to become a well-rounded (no pun) physically fit person and I think swimming will round out nicely with my running, dancing (zumba), & spinning.

So. after buying swimwear, how did you get started in the pool?

I went to a coached workout where they gave me tips on my stroke and late on I went to a swim clinic (4 Sundays in a row) in order to work on my stroke.

For sure going to have to check with the Y and the local swim clubs and see if they offer any clinics or get the names of someone who can help me with this.  Thank you for the feedback.

 I had never swam a lap in my life before last december after I signed up for the half ironman.  I totoally taught myself.. last month I started working with a coach, and it has made al the difference in the world.  I would highly recommend it if you really want to be serious about swimming.

Thanks Andrew.  I do want to be serious about my swimming.   Right now I am focusing on completing the 5k training program but I do want to have a rounded workout plan and I want to do it correctly.  Last thing I want is to be derailed by overuse or misuse injuries.  And I know I said it wouldn't be for competitive reasons but in the back of my head is the crazy notion that maybe next year I will give some thoughts to a few tris if I can get the running & swimming part down.  I do appreciate all the time you take to offer advice and information here on the board.

I read an awesome quote... "If you can't do it right, get good at doing it wrong"... LOL I think that was written for me and my stroke. My stroke is horrible, but I have become pretty efficient and effective with it. I attended some Master's Swim classes and they were VERY effective. I think the most important thing to do is get comfortable in the water, slow down and try to get a little further each time, until you can find classes / a coach that you really enjoy...

Thanks so much for the feedback.  Thanks for the reminder to get comfortable in the environment first before I worry about pushing it and time.  Sometimes I forget to do those small important things.

I had just started swimming prior to the shoulder injury, actually swimming is a stretch I prevent myself from drowning with slight forward momentum.

The first few times I climbed in the pool I was totally out of my comfortzone and it showed.  As I became more comfortable I did better, not saying I am any good I am just not as bad as I was.  So I would agree that getting comfortable is going to be a key issue.